“You might be surrounded by hundreds of humans, but you’re lonely here. You’re trained to fight demons, yet you don’t say a word to those dreadful girls. You could throw them across the building with one hand if you wanted.”
“Exactly. I could kill them. But I was born to protect them.”
Shadow-Gregory rolled his eyes and groaned. His breath was warm on my skin. Nerves fired like fireworks beneath my flesh.
“Pitiful. Disgusting. You’re just like your father.”
He never said it outright but it was obvious. He disliked my dad.
“Thanks. He’s a wonderful role model.”
“If your Reaper powers fully unlocked, I wonder… Would you still protect them, if you saw what they’ll become?”
I doubted Michelle or Renee would become criminals. I hoped I got to ascend them one day. Shadow wouldn’t twist me.
“Let me go,” I muttered.
“You’re stronger than me. If you wanted me gone, I’d be through a brick wall.”
“I wouldn’t hurt poor Gregory.”
“Is that this boy’s name?”
“Yeah.” I had a feeling he already knew.
The heat surged again as his gaze dropped like he was seeing me for the first time.
“Should we give him a good memory?” he asked.
A throb ticked between my thighs..I stared at Gregory’s lips like a lion stalking prey. The desire was overwhelming. I never felt anything like it for any of the boys I’d kissed. Was it because—even inside a human—Shadow belonged to my world? Or was it because he was always there? My longest companion. My watcher. Sometimes my tormentor. Other times, my protector. My shadow. But then his expression changed. The smirk vanished. His brows drew together. “Kara, do you want to give Gregory a good memory? Or is it me?”
He inhaled sharply. His eyes flickered red.
“I can smell you. How—”
He backed away so fast, he nearly fell.
His reaction cut. Like rejection always does.
My face burned. I swallowed thickly. “Would it be bad if it was because of you?”
“You’re a child—”
“I’m eighteen.”
Tension coiled off him.
“I was trying to scare you.” He shook his head. “Why, Kara? Why are you never afraid of me?”
“You’re my—”
“I wouldn’t actually touch you.”
His words sliced deep. Of course. Shadow always tried to intimidate or piss me off. Why would I think…
I blinked rapidly, trying not to show how badly it stung. “Gregory’s breath smells like baked beans. I wouldn’t have kissed him.”
“Oh, Kara.” He cupped my chin. “You’re lying. I know everything about you. No need to pretend. I’m just a shadow out to ruin you. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
